A case of recurrent advanced colon cancer treated with CPT-11 for second-line chemotherapy

A 59-year old male patient had been operated on for sigmoid colon cancer in July, 1990. Operative findings were P₀, H₀, S₁, N (-), Stage I, and histological findings were ss, ly 2, v O, n (-). In July 1994, the CEA level elevated, and he was diagnosed as having para-aortic LN swelling and stenosis of anastomosis of colon. He was admitted for treatment of recurrent colon cancer. Initially, he was treated with continuous injection of 5-FU, low- dose CDDP and Leucovorin. His CEA level decreased and para-aortic LN diminished in size. But, in December 1995, the CEA level and para-aortic LN relapsed. 5-FU, CDDP and Leucovorin were administered, but the CEA level became more and more elevated. This regimen was not considered responsible for drug resistance. CPT-11 was administered at 60 mg/week 6 times, and 80 mg/week 3 times. The side effects disappeared, LN sightly diminished in size, and the CEA level decreased. Judging by the anticancer effect without severe side effect, we found CPT-11 a useful drug for second-line chemotherapy.